Director of Conservation

As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.

Position summary

The role of Director of Conservation (DOC) - Ontario reports directly to the Regional Vice President – Ontario and is part of NCC's leadership team in the operating unit.

The DOC will lead and support a driven team to achieve excellence in land conservation, stewardship, and in building relationships that further meaningful, inclusive conservation initiatives in Ontario. The DOC will oversee planning, collaboration, and coordination of land securement stewardship and related activities. This includes but is not limited to leading strategic planning and implementation, budgeting and financial management of conservation projects and site plans and supporting the securement of ecologically significant lands and the effective stewardship of these lands. The DOC works collaboratively with conservation staff and DOCs across the country to ensure close coordination, consistency and continual improvement in conservation processes and initiatives.

The incumbent will be a thought leader and influencer for conservation and will help NCC in developing strategies and goals for conservation success in this landscape. The incumbent can lead and inspire strong multidisciplinary functioning teams in Ontario and with colleagues across the country. This person will collaborate and strengthen relationships with external partners and stakeholders including land trust partners, landowners, governments, individual and corporate donors, municipalities, and indigenous communities.

The DOC will have a strong focus on continued development of NCC's ability to work collaboratively and effectively in the delivery of innovative conservation programming. They are responsible for guiding and supporting a driven and dedicated conservation team distributed across the province. Further, this person will share and exemplify NCC's core values (Big Thinking, Collaborative, Empowering and Determination) to accelerate conservation of our most precious natural landscapes.

Position requirements

• Possesses a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related discipline with 6-8 years of directly related experience;
• Preference will be given to candidates with land and water resource management or stewardship experience;
• At least seven years of direct people management and leadership experience, able to provide strong supportive leadership, development, and mentoring to a large team;
• Proven ability to build multi-disciplinary and high functioning teams across departments;
• Demonstrated managerial, planning and coordination skills;
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, a positive solutions-oriented attitude with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment with co-workers from a variety of levels and departments within the region and nationally;
• Ability to develop big picture strategy, but also to provide technical guidance when needed;
• Proven operational and project management acumen, able to effectively use a variety of resources to attain multiple planned deliverables, with strong problem-solving, planning and organizational skills;
• Experience in complicated land negotiations with a variety of landowners, partners, processes, and outcomes in a rural setting, inclusive of the science, securement and stewardship aspects;
• Experience with all aspects of a not-for-profit conservation organization’s ethics, opportunities, and challenges and previous success with fundraising is an asset;
• A proven ability to interact comfortably with NCC's partners, including landowners, donors, government representatives, NGO partners and corporations;
• A proven ability to work comfortably in many different venues, from the day-to-day office environment to corporate boardrooms and in the field;
• Demonstrated ability and comfort in media interviews, events, and public engagement activities;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to make creative, sound decisions;
• Well-developed written, verbal, listening and overall communication skills and the ability to synthesize different points of view into a common goal;
• A proactive and optimistic attitude, with a proven ability to anticipate and manage risk;
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours.

How to Apply

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre.

Application Deadline

January 5, 2025 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

NCC hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. 

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca